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Before this tennis season began, Angelique Kerber had never played in a Grand Slam final. In the nine months since then, she has appeared in three, won two of them and will become the No. 1 player in the world.

Angelique Kerber, of Germany, poses with the WTA No. 1 trophy

Kerber, from Germany, added to her remarkable season with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic

Angelique Kerber kisses the championship trophy

The match was tight, tense and tiring for both players and fans on a humid afternoon.

Angelique Kerber reacts after defeating Karolina Pliskova

In the third set, Kerber battled back from a 3-1 deficit to break Pliskova’s serve at love in the final game and fall to the ground in triumph.

Angelique Kerber, of Germany, poses with the WTA No. 1 trophy

At 28 years old, Kerber, once a level below the sport’s elite, is suddenly at the top of the game.

Angelique Kerber, of Germany, reacts after winning a game against Karolina Pliskova

She beat Serena Williams in this year’s Australian Open final, and then lost to Williams in the Wimbledon final.